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Range (Edexcel IGCSE Maths B): Revision Note

Exam code: 4MB1

Roger B

Written by: Roger B

Reviewed by: Jamie Wood

Updated on

Edexcel Maths BEdexcel Maths A (Modular): Higher Unit 2Edexcel Maths A: HigherCambridge (CIE) International Maths: ExtendedCambridge (CIE) Maths: Extended

Range

What is the range of a data set?

  • The range is the difference between the highest value and the lowest value

    • range = highest - lowest

      • For example, the range of 1, 2, 5, 8 is 8 - 1 = 7

  • It measures how spread out the data is

    • Ranges of different data sets can be compared to see which is more spread out

    • The range of a data set can be affected by very large or small values

  • Be careful with negatives

    • The range of -2, -1, 0, 4 is 4 - (-2) = 6

  • The range is a simple measure of how spread out the data is

    • The range does not measure an average value

Examiner Tips and Tricks

If asked to find the range in an exam, make sure you show your subtraction clearly (don't just write down the answer).

Worked Example

Here are four numbers written in order of size.

w space space space space space space space space space 9 space space space space space space space space space x space space space space space space space space space 22

The range of the four numbers is 19.

Find the value of w.

Answer:

The range is the largest value minus the smallest value

Set up an equation and solve for w

table row 19 equals cell 22 minus w end cell row w equals cell 22 minus 19 end cell row w equals 3 end table

w equals 3

Worked Example

Find the range of the data in the table below.

3.4

4.2

2.8

3.6

9.2

3.1

2.9

3.4

3.2

3.5

3.7

3.6

3.2

3.1

2.9

4.1

3.6

3.8

3.4

3.2

4.0

3.7

3.6

2.8

3.9

3.1

3.0

Answer:

Range = highest value - lowest value

9.2 - 2.8

The range is 6.4

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    Author
    Reviewer
    Roger B

    Author: Roger B

    Expertise: Maths Content Creator

    Roger's teaching experience stretches all the way back to 1992, and in that time he has taught students at all levels between Year 7 and university undergraduate. Having conducted and published postgraduate research into the mathematical theory behind quantum computing, he is more than confident in dealing with mathematics at any level the exam boards might throw at you.

    Jamie Wood

    Reviewer: Jamie Wood

    Expertise: Maths Content Creator

    Jamie graduated in 2014 from the University of Bristol with a degree in Electronic and Communications Engineering. He has worked as a teacher for 8 years, in secondary schools and in further education; teaching GCSE and A Level. He is passionate about helping students fulfil their potential through easy-to-use resources and high-quality questions and solutions.